lt is one of the most haunting photos in the Edmonton Journal archives: a picture of Thomas Svekla, dressed in a green camouflage jacket and tinted round sunglasses, smiling tauntingly at the camera, his finger held to his lips. “Shhhh,” he seems to be saying. “I’ve got a secret.”

Legally Blonde smart, funny and pretty in pink

Strathcona High School lights up the stage

Strathcona High School production of Legally Blonde, direction and choreography by Linette Smith, musical direction by Stephen Delano.

Cappies review #1

Scott Meeberg

Millwoods Christian School

Blondes may have more fun, but, as everyone knows, most of them can’t think their way out of a paper bag, right? Wrong! Strathcona High School shattered every stereotype in its brilliant production of Legally Blonde.

Based on the book and 2001 movie of the same name, Legally Blonde is about Elle Woods, a stereotypical blonde from Malibu who enrols in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. However, she discovers that law is her true calling, using her newly-learned skills and knowledge of hair maintenance to win a high-profile murder case, as well as the heart of teaching assistant Emmett Forrest.

Strathcona’s production was a blast of energy, fun and pink. Every actor, even those with the minor roles, walked, talked and looked totally in character throughout the entire play. Extremely skilled acting, dancing and singing by the leads was solidified by the constantly animated chorus.

Sydney Williams lit up the stage with her every move as the fabulous and beautiful Elle Woods. Her voice filled the theatre and brought perfect emotion to songs like Legally Blonde and Serious. In addition to her singing and acting prowess, Williams showed an incredible dancing ability. Her chemistry with Henry Shin (Emmett) and Joel Klassen (Warner) was both believable and adorable, and the tone of Williams’s voice and facial expressions flawlessly conveyed what Elle was feeling in every instant.

Emmett Forrest, the hard-working poor boy who captures Elle’s affections, was portrayed by Henry Shin as an intriguing contrast to the extravagance of many of the other roles. Hints of the feelings his character gradually develops for Elle were evident all through the show, and he exhibited great conviction in numbers such as Chip On My Shoulder and Legally Blonde. Shin gave a performance best described as touchingly honest.

Every girl needs a best friend, and Grace Miazga could do no wrong as Paulette Bonafonté, Elle’s hairstylist and closest confidante. Miazga was incredibly convincing and hilarious, displaying almost every conceivable emotion throughout her performance. Her entertaining reactions and expressions combined with her skilful timing and delivery of each line made every second of her stage time memorable.

The impressive set was well-planned and efficiently used to create many locations and scenes. Technically, the show was near-perfect, with only rare mistakes, impressive considering there were more than 25 microphones and numerous actors singing or speaking at any given moment. The live student orchestra gave the performance a rich, authentic sound, and their timing was impeccable, coming in and fading out at just the right moment.

Famous blonde Pamela Anderson once said “It’s great being blonde … it’s easy to impress.”

“Omigod you guys!” Sororities, law school, and masses of pink — could it get any better? Strathcona High School’s Legally Blonde lit up the stage, delighting its audience with the kind of enthusiasm that only a Malibu sorority house can muster up.

The musical, originally based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film version, made its Broadway debut in 2007 and saw instant success. It focuses on fashion-savvy Delta Nu sister Elle Woods as she faces the most devastating tragedy of her life — her boyfriend Warner is leaving her to go to Harvard and find someone more “serious.” Refusing to admit defeat, and, full of unending optimism, Elle decides to prove herself by attending law school alongside him. Against all odds, she manages to find success as a law student, showing the world that there is more to her than just great hair.

As Elle, Sydney Williams, with her sunny disposition and powerful vocals, captivated the audience. Williams shone in moments of silliness and heartbreak alike, successfully giving her character surprising emotional depth and dimension. Anchoring her performance was Henry Shin, as Emmett (Elle’s Harvard love interest). Shin’s down-to-earth sweetness and soft singing voice provided an excellent contrast to Williams’s peppiness, and the two had a chemistry that was enchanting.

The entire cast maintained an energy and commitment that never faltered. Grace Miazga, as Paulette (Elle’s best friend), especially stood out. Miazga’s Boston roughness and goofy physicality were a constant source of comedy. Also noteworthy was Emmy-Kate Devine, playing Vivienne (Elle’s rival), whose gripping voice commanded attention and respect.

The multi-purpose set was extremely effective, and set changes were efficient and impressive. Making use of an overwhelming 28 microphones, Strathcona’s sound team (Sepp Zimmermann, Scott Pearase, and Nyssa Beairsto) capably handled the frequent mic transitions, and the student orchestra successfully enhanced the atmosphere of every scene.

The obvious dedication of the cast and crew helped to make the production a massive success. In a whirlwind of positivity, Strathcona’s Legally Blonde managed to teach lessons encompassing a broad range of values — from determination and self-respect all the way to the importance of good shoes.

Cappies review #3

Adrianna Stanski

Ross Sheppard High School

Welcome to the sparkling world of Elle Woods, where fashion is the law, dogs are family, love conquers all and absolutely everything is pink.

Students from Strathcona High School mounted an impressive production of Legally Blonde on a recent afternoon at the TransAlta Arts Barn.

First a novel, then a movie — starring Reese Witherspoon — it finally found its way to the Broadway stage in 2007. The musical tells the story of Elle Woods, the stereotypical blonde, who gets into Harvard Law to follow her ex-boyfriend, Warner, who has dumped her because he doesn’t consider her “serious” enough to help him further his career. Along the way, Elle discovers her own willpower and finds that she has what it takes to become a successful lawyer.

The show was anchored by talented leads and the incredible energy and focus of the huge cast, including two adorable, well-behaved live dogs. Every character role, no matter how small, was hilarious and each member of the ensemble created a vivid character. The numerous tableaus created by the ensemble had personality, and were perfectly timed and executed.

Sydney Williams, a true triple threat, embodied Elle as she completely transformed from popular and superficial to intelligent and principled. Williams carried the show with fantastic singing, skilful dancing and her believable acting. Henry Shin gave an honest and heartfelt performance as Emmett Forrest, the law teaching assistant who helps Elle discover her potential and ultimately falls in love with her. Shin maintained Emmett’s calm energy with his authentic acting and singing.

Grace Miazga embraced the character of quirky Paulette, the beauty salon stylist and Elle’s new best friend. Miazga’s Boston accent never faltered and her comic timing was impeccable, especially in her solo song, Ireland. Will Hamilton was intimidating and commanded attention in his role as cold-hearted Professor Callahan. Hamilton maintained his serious character and showed off his vocal capabilities in his song Blood in the Water. Emmy-Kate Devine added conflict and dimension to the show as Vivienne, Warner’s new preppy girlfriend. Devine’s voice was outstanding and entirely unexpected at the end of Act II. The Delta Nu girls were bright and bubbly and created an awesome ensemble with tight, polished dance numbers.

The student orchestra — who sported pink hairbands and bow ties — tackled difficult music with precision and personality. Their entrances were clean and well-timed and they sounded like a professional pit band. The countless set change were executed by actors in character, but were carefully mapped out by the stage crew of Kaitlyn Melton, Mitchell Van Straten and Emil Tennant. The switches were flawless and never interrupted the flow of the production. Lighting cues — operated and partially designed by Connor Earl — were subtle and helped exhibit the mood and location of scenes.

Like the character of Elle Woods, this show had lots of glitz, pink and fun energy. Deeper down, though, it also had heart and a positive, inspiring message that the students of Strathcona High conveyed with real feeling and charm.

Cappies review #4

Naomi Brierley

Ross Sheppard High School

Sequins, short shorts and a whole lot of sass. As far as the eye can see, there is nothing but bright pink and sheer talent. Legally Blonde, performed by Strathcona Composite High School, takes a bubbly popular UCLA sorority sister and drops her into the harsh, bloody waters of Harvard Law School.

Originally a novel by Amanda Brown and then a film in 2001, Legally Blonde is the well-known story of a girl named Elle Woods (Sydney Williams) who fills the stereotype of “dumb blonde” with a clueless sense of glee. Determined to become a serious woman and win back the man of her dreams, Elle follows a boy from her home on the west coast to Harvard Law School. In this drastic change of scenery, Elle is forced to prove to her colleagues, professors, the audience, and ultimately, herself that she is more than just a “dumb blonde.”

In the role of Elle was Sydney Williams, a grounded actress, trained dancer and exceptional vocalist. Williams carried a stage presence unlike any other, and was convincing in her portrayal of a popular sorority girl/cheerleader as well as a successful and serious law student. After a tricky dance number or a long note, her mask of Elle Woods never faltered, making her the clear star of the show.

While working her way to the top, Elle befriends a hairstylist with a Boston accent named Paulette Bonafonté (Grace Miazga) who wants nothing more than to find an Irish husband. Miazga, a diverse actress, nailed her portrayal of the utterly comedic Paulette giving advice to Elle and flirting with the new UPS delivery man Kyle (Mitchell Przybilla). As well as having the audience in stitches, Miazga proved herself to be another exceptional vocalist.

But Elle’s real saviour in the story is Emmett Forrest (Henry Shin), a man who shows Elle the ways of hard work and perseverance. Shin was honest and sweet in his portrayal of Emmett and frequently had the audience “awwwing.” His calm energy contrasted well with the squealing sorority girls.

Another commendable singer was Joel Klassen as the suave Warner Huntington. Will Hamilton stood out in the role of Professor Callahan in his cold rendition of Blood in the Water. The Jackie Kennedy to Elle’s Marilyn Monroe was Vivienne Kensington, played by Emmy-Kate Devine, a sultry singer in the several songs in which she was featured.

The effective switches in coloured light from pink, to blue, to purple, depending on the mood of the current point in the story, was partially designed by Connor Earl. Twenty-eight microphones were part of the nearly flawless sound by Sepp Zimmermann, Nyssa Beairsto and Scott Pearase. The student orchestra accompaniment was exceedingly smooth throughout the entire show.

Overall, Strathcona’s production of Legally Blonde was one that gives many professional shows a run for their money. This school proved what high school students are really capable of with a little dedication.

Cappies review #5

Alecia Doberstein

Strathcona Christian Academy

Omigod, omigod you guys — Strathcona High School’s production of Legally Blonde was sensational! The musical, written by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, which was originally based on the novel written by Amanda Brown and the 2001 Robert Luketic film, has a flare and class all its own.

The story follows Elle Woods, a blond, cheery pink-enthusiast who follows her love interest, Warner Huntington III, to Harvard Law School in hopes of winning his love. As Elle gains confidence in who she is and works hard to achieve an internship, she realizes that she doesn’t need Warner’s love to be happy and slowly gains the respect of all her peers as a result.

First of all, the technical aspects of the show were superb.

With 28 mics to mix, a 16-piece orchestra to keep in order and live animals that can sometimes be unpredictable, the cast and crew did an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly. The stage crew, led by Kaitlyn Melton, Mitchell Van Straten and Emil Tennant, ensured that there wasn’t a single cue missed and helped give the show a beautiful, natural flow. This exciting, high-paced show was a perfect match for Strathcona High School’s high-energy cast who did an incredible job.

The production started with a burst of high energy with the song Omigod You Guys, capturing the audience’s attention right from the start. That energy level never wavered, continuing throughout the entire production.

Cast members knew their characters well. Their dancing and acting was flawless, with sharp, crisp movements and hilarious chorus work. Also impressive was how well they were able to continue singing and acting even through such intense dancing.

Sydney Williams, who played the part of Elle, did a fantastic job portraying such an enthusiastic, charismatic character. She has a beautiful voice and did a great job capturing the serious, well-rounded side of her character as well as the bubbly, sexy side. She was also extremely believable in her relationships with Warner, played by Joel Klassen, and with her new-found love interest, Emmett Forrest, played by Henry Shin. Shin’s soft, sweet, constant voice was perfect for his character, encouraging Elle to never give up. The characters of both Vivienne Kensington, portrayed by Emmy-Kate Devine, and Warner, were played with a perfect mix of snootiness and class.

Emmy-Kate has an amazing voice that reached a crescendo near the end of the production.

Watching such incredible talent, the appreciative audience was left wanting Strathcona High’s production of Legally Blonde to never end.

The Journal and 25 area high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.C.-based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre.

The 21st show of the season was Legally Blonde, performed by students of Strathcona High School on April 21st at the TransAlta Arts Barn. The critic discussions were mentored by Vern Slipetz of Louis St. Laurent High School and Mary Frances Fitzgerald of Ross Sheppard High School.

The reviews on this page were edited and selected for publication by teachers who could see only the reviews, not the names or the schools of the reviewers.

Awards for actors, those be-hind the scenes and critics will be presented at a celebration at the Citadel Theatre in June.

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